Frequently Asked Questions
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a home to identify defects within specific systems and components that are both observed and deemed to be material in the opinion of the inspector.
A home inspection is based on the observations made at the time of the inspection and is not a prediction of future conditions.
A home inspection cannot reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist but only those defects observed at the time of the inspection.
What do we inspect?
We will inspect the structure, HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, roof, built-in appliances, exterior, attic, insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation walls, and the crawlspace/basement. We will enter and inspect each end of the attic and the crawl space, and we will climb on any roof that is safely accessible.
We exceed the standards of the North Carolina Standards of Practice as defined by the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board (NCHILB).
*Each home is different and sometimes it’s not possible to inspect all components due to obstructions, safety, or health hazards preventing access to the system but we make every effort to inspect every area of the home.
What sets us apart is from others in this industry is, we have no incentive to not inspect any system or component and we guarantee this by returning to the home, completely free of charge to our clients, if we are unable to safely access the system/component at the time of inspection and safe access is provided at a later date prior to closing.
Do I need to attend the inspection? What time should I arrive?
We welcome you to join us at the inspection but how long, if at all, is entirely up to you. We block out 4 hours for every inspection and make it easy for you know what time to arrive: your inspector can call or text you when their getting close to finishing up!
You DO NOT need to attend the inspection but if you do plan to attend, a good rule of thumb is to arrive at roughly the 3 hour point. For example, if your inspection begins at 8:30 a.m. please plan to arrive at 11:30 a.m. This typically allows enough time for your inspector to make observations and be able to provide you with an overview of their findings at the end of the inspection.
Please keep in mind each home is different and may require more or less time. New construction homes generally take the least amount of time, and older homes usually take the longest amount of time.
What is your pricing policy?
Our pricing policy is simple: we offer always upfront pricing!
You should never need to call anyone to figure out how much a service costs! Our simple, flat-fee pricing structure and all pricing information can be found online here.
There are no hidden fees, add-ons or additional fees based upon the type, distance or age of the home, and we will NEVER attempt to sell you any unnecessary, gimmicky add-on services.
Not all home inspection companies are created equal so please take a look at our FAQ on what to look for in a home inspector and home inspection company.
What should clients look for in a home inspector and home inspection company?
All North Carolina home inspectors must be licensed & insured but professional home inspectors distinguish themselves through their extensive experience in the real estate, construction and home inspection industries, through their experience as a home inspector and by earning professional designations such as a Certified Master or Professional Inspector with the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).
*Clients should check to see how long a home inspector takes to complete a home inspection. The internet is replete with horror stories of home inspectors breezing through home inspections and overlooking major defects as they rush to complete 4 inspections a day with a bunch of pricey add-ons.
Professionals take their time and do things the right way.
*Professional, full-time inspectors should be able to complete your report in less than 24 hours.
*Professional home inspection companies are only as good as their honesty and integrity. Companies that have integrity don’t try to sell their clients unnecessary or gimmicky add-on services that pad the company’s bill but offer little insight into the condition of the home.
Silk Inspections home inspectors have extensive experience, are all InterNACHI Certified Master or Professional Inspectors, complete ongoing continuing education above and beyond the state’s requirements, take their time in completing inspections, complete your report the same day and NEVER attempt to sell you expensive services you just don’t need.
We are consummate professionals whose sole purpose is to look out for your best interest. That’s the only way we earn our fee.
What is the typical process for working with a new client?
Clients can book their appointment, complete payment and sign the agreement entirely online. Once the home inspection is complete, clients receive their all-digital home inspection report the same-day! The report will come complete with pictures, videos and explanations of any issues, and we will work with you to ensure you understand the report.
How long does the inspection take to complete?
Every home is different and while the size of the home can be a guide, it’s not foolproof. To ensure we have enough time for nearly every home, we block out 4 hours for every inspection.
Please keep in mind each home is different and may require more or less time. New construction homes generally take the least amount of time, and older homes usually take the longest amount of time.
What other services do you provide?
We offer home, new construction and 11-month warranty inspections, termite inspections, radon testing, pool inspections, well water-quality analysis, enhanced HVAC and septic inspections.
Home inspectors are generalists; we have broad knowledge about a wide degree of building-related subjects. Specialists have specialized, specific and detailed knowledge in a subject.
We provide premium home and commercial inspections, and we work with specialists to offer coordination of important services including water-quality, termite, HVAC and septic inspections.
What is your refund policy?
Our refund policy is very easy to understand: if, for any reason, we are unable to complete any service, we will issue an immediate refund for 100% of the fee!
Do you offer any discounts?
We employ veterans and are proud to offer a 10% discount for service members & veterans, first responders and early childhood/K-12 educators.
We offer flat-fee inspection services which include all taxes and without hidden fees or charges, and no additional charges for the presence of a crawl space, age, credit card fees or travel expenses.
Where do we inspect?
We generally will inspect within an hour or so from the Fayetteville, NC area. We’re super easy to work with so please let us know your needs and provide us with the opportunity to meet them and we’ll do our best to work with you!
This includes but is not limited to the following areas:
Aberdeen, Anderson Creek, Bladen County, Buies Creek, Cameron, Clinton, Cumberland County, Dunn, Duplin County, Eastover, Elizabethtown, Erwin, Falcon, Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, Harnett County, Hoke County, Hope Mills, Johnston County, Judson, Laurinburg, Lee County, Lillington, Lumber Bridge, Lumberton, Moore County, Overhills, Parkton, Pembroke, Pinehurst, Raeford, Red Springs, Robeson County, Rockfish, Roseboro, Sampson County, Sanford, Scotland County, Silver City, Southern Pines, Spring Lake, Stedman, St Pauls, Vander, Vass, Wade, Whispering Pines
Do you accept payment at the time of closing?
Yes! Simply complete and electronically sign the form located here and provide copies of the front and back of your driver’s license and credit card.
Important Notes: All fees are due and payable when services are rendered. No discounts are available using this option and an additional administrative fee is added to the total cost of the services. If the home fails to close by the closing date indicated on the online form, all fees will be charged to the credit card on file.
Where can I find the NC Standards of Practice?
The North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board (NCHILB) regulates the work of Licensed Home Inspectors. You may find a copy of the Standards of Practice on the NCHILB website.
What types of clients do you work with?
Our ideal clients are home buyers and sellers, real estate investors and commercial clients who value professional integrity and high-quality work, and we have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to have worked with thousands of great clients!
What exactly is a home inspection?
A home inspection is:
* a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector.
* A home inspection is based on the observations made on the date of the inspection, and not a prediction of future conditions.
* The general home inspection will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist, but only those defects observed on the date of the inspection.